UPDATE: **SOLD**
http://www.fourwheeler.com/project-vehicles/1406-1954-willys-m-170-army-ambulance-resuscitation/
“1954 M-170. This is a Korean-War-era military field ambulance/radio vehicle made by Willys. This particular Jeep was a radio vehicle, not ambulance. Radio switches/gauges and antenna mount present, but radio equipment gone. Was a ranch Jeep for past 42 years.
Drivetrain and axles are stock with minor exceptions. Ignition was converted to 12-volt and generator replaced with Delco alternator with external regulator by previous owner. Also, civilian carb was installed on the stock 134-cube F-head. Transmission is stock T-90 and T-case is factory twin-stick Spicer 18.
Front Dana 25 and rear Dana 44 axles have factory 5.38 gears and 9-inch drum brakes. Passenger-right brake drags a tiny bit (think the wheel cylinder needs honing or replacement) but brakes work well, don’t leak, and it doesn’t pull to one side when stopping.
Suspension is stock: factory shackle reversal front, military leaf packs, no broken springs. Shocks are cool, ancient aftermarket units. Has factory antiswaybars front and rear: M-170-only item.
I rebuilt the factory Ross cam & lever steering box, bellcrank, drag link cups/springs, and installed new tie-rod ends and fixed the wiring. Factory 20-gallon sidesaddle fuel tank was removed, cleaned, tested, and reinstalled. Fuel sender leaks a bit when full (needs gasket) but otherwise no leaks in fuel tank. Engine oil recently changed, but filter came with wrong size gasket for canister, so I reused the original and it weeps a tiny bit at higher rpms. Easy fix.
Has newer Optima BlueTop battery and new pintle. Also have new factory replacement rear bumper/crossmember (not installed) that comes with it. Body has surface rust but is solid. Frame is slightly bent like previous owner stuffed it into a ditch hunting rabbits at night (reason for the big Cibie spot). It is what it is. No cracks in the frame and it goes down the road straight so I was fine with it. Previous owner’s grandson got happy with a can of black spraypaint on the driver-side. Could use an OD green fogging, but I don’t paint my Jeeps. The ’63 CJ windshield frame shown on vehicle in photos doesn’t come with it. but the original military two-piece windshield (shown in photos) does. Other than cracked glass it’s in perfect condition with all the brackets and handles present.
I installed some new black vinyl Smittybilt low-back front buckets and have a Smittybilt fold-and-tumble rear bench (not bolted down yet but comes with Jeep). Passenger seat bracket is removable with 2 wingnuts for easy access to underseat storage.
Old-school cool items include single Cibie spot on bumper, Cutlas locking hubs (work perfectly), 15×8 steel wheels off a ’70 or ’71 Jeep CJ-5 Renegade I, and an ancient aftermarket roll bar bolted to the rear wheel tubs (probably taken off a CJ-5 or flatfender). Brand new 30×9.50R15 TreadWright Puma all-terrain retread tires with less than 5 miles on them. They’re built on BFG A/T carcasses. Still not sure if I want to let the Cutlas hubs that are on it go. If not I’ll install a set of Cutlas Power-Lock hubs in their place.
Fires right up and runs/drives well but carb could use a rebuild. Has slight stumble like accelerator pump plunger is deteriorated. Otherwise, is a cool old Jeep project you can drive while you work on. No DMV drama – has clear title that matches the VIN and current CA non-op registration..
Serious inquiries only, please. Email to link in ad – no calls or texts. If you seem serious we can work up to a call. If the ad is still up it’s still for sale.”
I believe this is Christian Hazels. The former editor of JP magazine. Now the editor of Fourwheeler magazine.
You’re correct Marty.
Price is right….. too far away again!
It left California, went to Arizona, went to Raleigh, NC and now on my Farm in near Charlotte, NC. Driven regularly here on the farm. Was painted tan in AZ, all the paint he had. I may paint it green and mark it as a USMC jeep
Thanks for the update Bill! Glad you are getting to enjoy it. I’ve updated the post.